Dodi Lukebakio scores a goal and equalizes everything in Mexico x Belgium in an international friendly before the World Cup

In an intense and balanced preparation duel, Dodi Lukebakio scored the equalizer for Bélgica, leaving the score at 1-1 against México in an international friendly that is approaching its final moments, with 87 minutes of play on the clock. The match, played at Soldier Field, at Chicago, has been marked by comebacks and offensive strategies from both teams, seeking to fine-tune their squads before important commitments.

🌏🚨GOAL DODI LUKEBAKIO SCORES AND EQUALISE

MEXICO 1-1 BELGIUM

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— LIVE GOALS (@FTLiveGoals)April 1, 2026

The clash serves as a valuable thermometer for the national teams, allowing coaches to evaluate their players’ performance on the field and test different tactical formations. The Belgian goal at the beginning of the second half changed the dynamics of the game, which until then was in favor of the Mexicans, who opened the scoring in the first half.

The equal score reflects the competitiveness of the friendly, where neither side gives in easily. With regulation time running out, the expectation is that the remaining minutes will be filled with pure tension and decisive moves, keeping the attention of fans and technical committees focused on every movement of the ball and each athlete.

The crucial draw of Lukebakio

Dodi Lukebakio’s goal, which brought Bélgica back into the game, occurred in the 46th minute of the second half, shortly after the match restarted, and was assisted by Youri Tielemans. Este’s move demonstrated the Belgians’ ability to react, who took advantage of the initial momentum of the second half to equalize the actions on the scoreboard. Lukebakio’s precise finish not only marked the equalizer but also injected new energy into the team.

The Belgian goal significantly changed the outlook of the match. From that moment on, the game, which seemed to lean towards the Mexican side after the initial advantage, became an even more open and dynamic clash. The Bélgica team, driven by the goal, intensified its offensive attacks, looking for a comeback, while México reorganized itself to contain the pressure.

The opening of the Mexican score

México had taken the lead in the 19th minute of the first half, with a goal from Jorge Sánchez, sending the crowd into a frenzy at Soldier Field. The move, which ended in the Belgian net, was the result of a good offensive build-up and an accurate finish from the right-back. Antes Furthermore, the game had already been marked by some fouls and attempts on both sides, with Julian Quiñones receiving a yellow card in the 11th minute for disagreement. The Mexican team demonstrated good articulation in attack, with Brian Gutierrez taking a corner in the 19th minute, right before the goal, signaling the pressure exerted in that period. The Belgian defense, in turn, had already blocked some Mexican attempts, including a shot from J. Gallardo in the 5th minute, showing the need for constant attention.

Minute by minute: key moments of the friendly

The match between México and Bélgica has been full of important moments and here are some of the most relevant ones so far:

• 2′: The goalkeeper of Bélgica makes an important save, avoiding the first Mexican goal.
• 11′: Julian Quiñones (Mexico) receives a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct.
• 19′: Jorge Sánchez (México) opens the scoring, putting Mexico at an advantage.
• 39′: Timothy Castagne (Belgium) is warned with a yellow card after committing a foul.
• 46′: Dodi Lukebakio (Belgium) ties the match with a goal at the beginning of the second half, with an assist from Youri Tielemans.
• 63′: Múltiplas replacements for Bélgica, including the entry of Jeremy Doku and Thomas Meunier.
• 68′: Maxim De Cuyper (Belgium) receives a yellow card and Armando González comes on for México, replacing Raúl Jiménez.
• 69′: Série of substitutions at México, with Obed Vargas and Roberto Alvarado entering the field.
• 72′: Nova round of substitutions at Bélgica, with Lucas Stassin and Alexis Saelemaekers among those entering.
• 75′: Arthur Theate (Belgium) receives a yellow card.
• 82′: Amadou Onana (Belgium) tries to score, and Alexis Saelemaekers takes a corner, intensifying the Belgian pressure.
• 84′: Falta committed by Alexis Saelemaekers (Belgium).

Substitutions and tactical adjustments

As the match progressed and the intensity increased, both coaches made a series of strategic substitutions, seeking to renew the teams’ momentum and adjust tactics. Aos 63 minutes, Bélgica made five simultaneous changes, with Jérémy Doku, Nicolas Raskin, Thomas Meunier, Amadou Onana and Charles De Ketelaere entering the field. Essas changes aimed to give more mobility to the attack and solidity to the midfield, seeking greater control of ball possession and new offensive options.

A few minutes later, between 68 and 69 minutes, it was México’s turn to respond with their own substitutions. Armando González, Alexis Vega, Roberto Alvarado, Israel Reyes and Obed Vargas were activated, bringing new blood to the team and trying to react to the Belgian pressure. Aos 72 minutes, Bélgica made four more changes, with the entry of Zeno Debast, Alexis Saelemaekers, Armando González0 and Armando González1, indicating a search for greater defensive vigor and new alternatives in the offensive sector.

Intensity and yellow cards

The rivalry on the field was evident through the various fouls and disciplinary warnings throughout the match. Já in the first half, Julian Quiñones, from México, received a yellow card in the 11th minute, followed by Timothy Castagne, from Bélgica, in the 39th minute, for a foul. Esses Initial cards indicated aggressiveness and fierce competition for ball possession and space in midfield.

In the second half, the referee had to intervene again to contain the temper. Jorge Sánchez, scorer of the Mexican goal, was cautioned with a yellow card in the 64th minute. Logo later, Maxim De Cuyper, from Bélgica, also received a card in the 68th minute, and Arthur Theate, another Belgian, was punished in the 75th minute. The number of yellow cards underlines the physical and competitive nature of the friendly, where neither team failed to compete for every ball with vigor.

Moments of attack and final pressure

As regulation time approaches the end, Bélgica intensifies its pressure in search of the winning goal. Aos 82 minutes, Amadou Onana attempted a dangerous finish, forcing the Mexican defense to scramble to avoid the turnover. In the same minute, Alexis Saelemaekers took a corner, creating a new scoring opportunity and keeping México on constant alert.

The flow of the game shows Bélgica in attack, demonstrating the intention of not settling for a draw. The European team, even after several substitutions, maintains an offensive rhythm and looks for gaps in the Mexican defense, which, in turn, appears resilient in its area, protecting the current result. The game remains unpredictable, with either side being able to surprise in the last moments.

Analysis of starting lineups

The initial strategies of coaches Javier Aguirre, México, and Rudi Garcia, Bélgica, were revealed by the tactical formations chosen for the friendly. México entered the field with a 4-1-4-1 formation, relying on a robust midfield line and a single striker, Raúl Jiménez, for finishing. Essa formation aims both at defensive solidity with Erik Lira protecting the defense, and at creating plays on the sides with players like J. Quiñones and Brian Gutierrez.

Bélgica opted for a 4-2-3-1, a more flexible arrangement that allows quick transition between defense and attack. Com Youri Tielemans and Axel Witsel in contention, the Belgian team sought to exploit the creativity of Kevin De Bruyne and the speed of Dodi Lukebakio and Lois Openda in the offensive sector. The coaches sought to test the players’ adaptation to different game scenarios, especially in an international friendly context where experimentation is paramount.

Individual performance and strategic fouls

Throughout the match, some players stood out both for their performances and for their participation in capital plays. Jorge Sánchez, in addition to scoring the Mexican goal, he was involved in several plays on the right flank. Do Belgian side, Youri Tielemans demonstrated his vision of the game by providing the assist for Dodi Lukebakio’s equalizing goal, which in turn, showed opportunism. The match was also marked by a series of fouls, some of them strategic, to break the opponent’s rhythm.

Johan Vásquez, from México, and Zeno De Winter, from Bélgica, were among the players who committed important fouls, showing the fierce competition for possession of the ball. Houve also moments of medical stops, indicating the physical exhaustion of athletes on the field. The persistence of goalkeepers in preventing goals and defenders in blocking shots, such as N. Ngoy and De Winter, were crucial in keeping the score balanced, underlining that each team had to defend hard and attack with precision to reach the current draw.

Expectations for the final minutes

With the clock showing 87 minutes and the score still at 1-1, expectations for the final moments of this international friendly are high. Ambas The teams demonstrate a clear desire to seek victory, which promises an exciting outcome. The coaches, who have already made countless substitutions, carefully observe each move, hoping that an individual play or an opponent’s mistake will decide the result.

This type of confrontation is fundamental in the preparation of the teams, as it simulates the pressure and intensity of eliminatory games, even though it is a friendly match. Independentemente of the final result, México and Bélgica will certainly leave with valuable learnings and insights into the performance of their squads, especially to improve strategies before the next competitive challenges. The match remains open, and fans are anxiously waiting to see if either team will be able to break the tie in the final moments.